Feeding Guide

How to Feed Swine & Hogs

Swine are efficient converters — they turn feed into muscle and fat faster than most farm animals, which means nutrition quality shows up quickly in growth rate, muscle quality, and finishing fat cover. Protein and energy levels need to match the pig's stage precisely. This guide covers general industry guidelines — always verify with your specific feed bag label.

Note: Feeding amounts are general industry guidelines based on university extension and manufacturer recommendations. Heritage breed swine, pastured systems, and specialty market hogs may have significantly different requirements. Always verify amounts with your specific feed bag label. Always read your specific feed bag label for manufacturer-recommended feeding rates.

Feeding by Life Stage

Stage	Age / Weight	Daily Amount	Protein Target	Notes
Piglet / Nursery	Weaning (~3–4 weeks) – 50 lbs	Feed free-choice (ad libitum)	18–22%	Freshly weaned pigs are highly stressed — high-quality, highly digestible protein is critical. Lysine amino acid balance matters here more than raw protein percentage.
Starter	50–75 lbs	Feed free-choice or ~3–4 lbs/day	18–20%	Pigs should have constant access to fresh water. Feed intake and water intake are closely linked.
Grower	75–125 lbs	~4–5 lbs/day or free-choice	16–18%	This phase sets the frame. Adequate protein and lysine prevents stunting. Soy-free options are available from Hillsboro and KOFFI.
Finisher	125–250 lbs (market weight)	~5–6 lbs/day (approx. 2.5–3% BW)	14–16%	Finishing is about fat deposition and marbling. Reducing protein slightly and increasing energy gives the fat cover desired for pork flavor.
Gestating Sow	Breeding – 3 weeks pre-farrowing	~4–5 lbs/day limit-fed	13–15%	Limit-feeding prevents excessive weight gain that complicates farrowing. Body condition score 3–3.5 at farrowing is ideal.
Lactating Sow	Farrowing through weaning	Feed free-choice; aim for 12–14 lbs/day for high-producing sows	16–18%	Lactating sows have extreme energy demands. Restricting feed reduces milk output and piglet growth. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid.
Boar	Breeding-age adults	~5–6 lbs/day limit-fed	14–16%	Overweight boars have reduced libido and soundness issues. Feed to maintain lean body condition, not fat cover.

* These are general industry guidelines based on extension service recommendations. Actual needs vary by breed, body condition, and environment. Always verify with your feed bag label.

When to Switch Feed Types

Pigs adapt to feed changes fairly readily compared to ruminants, but abrupt switches still cause a period of reduced intake and loose stools. The critical stage transitions: move from nursery to grower at ~75 lbs, drop to finisher rations at ~125 lbs. Heritage breeds (Berkshire, Duroc, Red Wattle, Mangalitsa) often do better on lower-starch, higher-fiber diets than commercial Landrace/Yorkshire crosses — which is where peanut-based soy-free options from Hillsboro really shine. Pastured pigs supplement their diet with roots, grass, and insects — you can reduce grain somewhat for pastured animals, but quality protein still needs to be met from the grain.

Transitioning to Non-GMO Feed

Transitioning pigs to Non-GMO, soy-free, or corn-free feed is usually smooth. Pigs aren't as sensitive as ruminants to ingredient changes, but a 7-day blend-in is still good practice to avoid digestive upset.

7–10 Day Transition Schedule

1Days 1–2: 75% current feed / 25% new Non-GMO feed
2Days 3–5: 50% / 50% blend
3Days 6–7: 25% current / 75% new Non-GMO
4Day 8+: 100% new Non-GMO feed

What to Watch For

✓Loose droppings are normal for a few days — should firm up within a week
✓Some pigs may initially eat less of the new feed if the ingredient profile smells unfamiliar — this is temporary
✓Watch growth rate over the first 30 days to ensure protein targets are being met
✓On soy-free or corn-free feeds, check the label's amino acid profile — lysine content is the key metric to verify

Recommended Products for Swine & Hogs

Available at BooneTop Farms & Feed, 1460 Highway 100 West, Centerville, TN

Hillsboro Feed Company

16% No Corn No Soy Hog Pellets

Best for: Growers, finishers, and gestating sows

Usually In Stock

Hillsboro Feed Company

18% Hog Grower Pellets

Best for: Growing pigs 75–150 lbs

Usually In Stock

KOFFI

Soy Free Swine Grower

Best for: Certified organic soy-free growing pigs

Usually In Stock

Browse All Products →

Seasonal Feeding Considerations

🌱 Spring

Farrowing season for many producers. Ensure lactating sows have access to unlimited water and feed. Muddy spring conditions increase pathogen pressure — rotate pasture areas if possible.

☀️ Summer

Pigs are highly susceptible to heat stress — they can't sweat effectively. Wallowing water or shade is critical above 85°F. Feed intake drops in heat; ensure nutrient density is adequate even at lower volumes.

🍂 Fall

Ideal finishing weather. Pigs eat aggressively in cooling weather — watch daily gain and adjust feed amounts to prevent over-conditioning if targeting specific market weights.

❄️ Winter

Pigs need more energy to maintain body temperature. Increase energy density or feed volume by 10–15% in cold weather. Bedding quality matters — a good nest reduces metabolic heating costs.

Questions About Feeding Your Swine & Hogs?

Text or call us — we're farmers too and happy to help you find the right feed.

Text 931-217-5556 Call (931) 217-5556

1460 Highway 100 West, Centerville, TN 37033 · Mon/Thu/Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–3pm